
Chelsea’s defender opens up about his challenging experience facing the controversial striker during last season’s Champions League tie
Antonio Rudiger has called Luis Suarez a “master of the dark arts” after his experience facing the Atlético Madrid forward in a Champions League clash last season.
The Chelsea centre-back shared his thoughts in an interview with the club’s official website, recounting his encounters with Suarez during their Round of 16 tie against Atlético Madrid. Rudiger described the combative Uruguayan as a formidable opponent, known not only for his prolific goal-scoring ability but also for his controversial tactics on the pitch.
Suarez has long been a divisive figure in football, with a notorious reputation following his biting incident involving Branislav Ivanovic during his time at Liverpool. The Atlético Madrid striker is no stranger to controversy, and his competitive nature often leads him to push the boundaries of fair play.
In their Champions League tie, Chelsea triumphed over the Spanish side with a commanding 3-0 aggregate victory, with Olivier Giroud scoring in the first leg and Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri adding goals in the second. Chelsea would go on to win the competition, claiming their second European title.
Rudiger, who has become a key figure in Chelsea’s defence under Thomas Tuchel, reflected on his direct encounters with Suarez during the match. The German defender revealed that Suarez “pinched” him on the leg during the game, demonstrating the striker’s often underhanded approach to the physical side of football.
“I don’t go into the game with a set plan,” Rudiger explained. “It’s just something that happens in the moment. Like with Suarez, he pinched me on the leg. It’s not that I’m trying to provoke anything. He’s a master of the dark side, so you have to stay alert. Sometimes these things work in your favour, sometimes they don’t.”